Which are segments of DNA that code for specific traits: Genes, chromosomes, proteins, or codons?

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify which segments of DNA are responsible for coding specific traits.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

• Understand the role of each option: genes, chromosomes, proteins, and codons.
• Determine which option directly codes for traits.

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

• Genes: Segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins, which in turn determine traits.
• Chromosomes: Structures that organize and contain many genes.
• Proteins: Molecules that perform various functions in the body, often resulting from gene expression.
• Codons: Sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids during protein synthesis.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

• Genes are the specific segments of DNA that code for proteins, which are responsible for traits.
• Chromosomes are larger structures that contain genes but do not directly code for traits.
• Proteins are the result of gene expression and are not segments of DNA.
• Codons are part of the process of translating genes into proteins but are not segments of DNA themselves.

Final Answer

Genes are the segments of DNA that code for specific traits.